1
Nordic Association
of Agricultural
Science
LITHUANIAN
RESEARCH CENTRE
FOR AGRICULTURE
AND FORESTRY
PROGRAMME and ABSTRACTS
Horticultural Value Networks
Nordic Association
of Agricultural
Science
ABSTRACTS
Horticultural Value Networks
4th International Conference
on the Scienti�ic Actualities and
Innovations in Horticulture 2024
SAIH 2024
Kaunas, September 16–18, 2024
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
2
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Prof. Beatrix Alsanius, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
Dr. Birutė Frercks, Institute of Horticulture,
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuania
Prof. Nazim S. Gruda, University of Bonn, Germany,
and Polytechnic University of Cartagena, Spain
Prof. Francesco Orsini, University of Bologna, Italy
Dr. Giedrė Samuolienė, Institute of Horticulture,
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuania
Assoc. Prof. Irina I. Vaseva, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics,
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
Dr. Jonas Viškelis, Institute of Horticulture,
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuania
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Birutė Frercks, Gintarė Naujokienė, Giedrė Samuolienė, Jonas Viškelis
CONFERENCE CONVENER
Giedrė Samuolienė, tel. +370 655 54 905
SYMPOSIUM VENUE
Business Conference Center
K. Donelaičio St. 60/62, Kaunas, Lithuania
PROGRAMME
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
3
SAIH2024 outline conference programme
September 16–18, 2024
Monday, 16 September
9.30–10.00 Registration, coffee
10.00–10.10
Opening.
Gintaras Brazauskas
, Director of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry,
Giedrė Samuolienė, Institute of Horticulture, LAMMC
Session 1. Plant physiology and genetics for horticultural strategies
Chairs Vidmantas Bendokas, Irina I. Vaseva
Keynote lecture
10.10–10.40 Irina I. Vaseva. Drought-mitigating strategies based on hormonal regulation of stress response
Oral presentations
10.40–10.55
Ana Dovil
ė Juškytė. Expression pro�ile of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) transcription factors
under chill-hardening in vitro
10.55–11.10 Raminta Antanynienė. De novo assembly of Monilinia fructigena genome
11.10–11.25 Augustina Kolytaitė. Characterisation of potential microbial antagonists against brown rot disease
11.25–11.40
Edvinas Misiukevi
čius. Unveiling the drought resilience of tetraploid daylilies: insights into
ploidy’s impact on plant adaptation
11.40–12.00 Coffee, conference photo
Nordic Association
of Agricultural
Science
LITHUANIAN
RESEARCH CENTRE
FOR AGRICULTURE
AND FORESTRY
ORGANISERS
PROGRAMME
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
4
Session 2. Plant response-based cultivation technologies
Chairs Giedrė Samuolienė, Francesco Orsini
Keynote lecture
12.00–12.30
Francesco Orsini. Cultivating tomorrow: where and how indoor vertical farming will bring
a horticultural revolution
Oral presentations
12.30–12.45
Akvil
ė Viršilė. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles: the relations between plant material and
the consistency of particle yield and properties
12.45–13.00
Ieva Gud
žinskaitė. Evaluation of nutritional value in mustard microgreens under different light
conditions during growth and storage
13.00–14.00 Lunch
14.00–14.15
Sasan Aliniaeifard.
Natural genetic variations in populations of horticultural crops in response
to different stressors based on chlorophyll �luorescence analysis
14.15–14.30
Martynas Urbutis. Hormone based biostimulants: effect on oilseed rape photosynthesis and
productivity
14.30–14.45
Au
šra Brazaitytė. Interactive effect of different lighting and CuO and ZnO nanoparticles on
kale growth and mineral composition
14.45–15.00
Hamayun Shabir. Innovative farming systems for job creation and social inclusion in modern
prisons: ideas from the International Student Challenge UrbanFarm2024
16.00–18.30 City tour
Tuesday, 17 September
Session 3. Plant protection and product quality
Chairs Simona Chrapačienė, Beatrix Alsanius
Keynote lecture
10.00–10.30 Beatrix Alsanius. Integrated control in new light
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
5
Oral presentations
10.30–10.45
Simona Chrapa
čienė. The level of knowledge on strawberries diseases, and plant protection
among Lithuanian farmers
10.45–11.00
Simona Chrapa
čienė. Evaluation of alternative sources of biopesticides from plants for
Alternaria disease management in carrots
11.00–11.15 Vytautas Bunevičius. Biocontrol capabilities of Alternaria spp. by plant extracts
11.15–11.30
Aistė Balčiūnaitienė. Physico-chemical properties and antimicrobial activity of bacterial
nanocellulose biocomposite with green silver nanoparticles
11.30–11.45 Juozas Lanauskas. Individual strawberry cultivar variation based on consumer satisfaction
11.45–12.00 Coffee
Session 4. Sustainable cultivation and biodiversity
Chairs Lina Dėnė, Nazim S. Gruda
Keynote lecture
12.00–12.30 Nazim S. Gruda. Product quality, values, and criteria for vegetables in the supply chain
Oral presentations
12.30–12.45 Raminta Skipitytė. Investigation of soybean-microbial interactions using stable isotopes
12.45–13.00 Vaida Čepulienė. Biological diversity and nutritional importance of the perennial vegetable genus Allium
13.00–14.00 Lunch
14.00–14.15 Agnė Mačiulskaitė. The evaluation of antioxidant activity of Amelanchier alnifolia L. fruits
14.15–14.30
Greta Laurinaityt
ė. Strawberry antioxidant system response and secondary metabolite content
after treatment with Syzygium aromaticum extract
14.30–14.45
Sandra Saunori
ūtė. Variations in antioxidant activity and phenolic content in fruit extracts of the
invasive Amelanchier
× spicata (Lam.) Koch from different habitats in Lithuania
14.45–15.00 Khadija Ramzan. Enhancing PDMS with natural pigments: a sustainable approach to polymer modi�ication
15.00–15.15 Closing remarks
17.00–20.00 Conference dinner
Wednesday, 18 September
10.00–16.00 Conference tour
PROGRAMME
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
6
CONTENTS
ABSTRACTS OF PRESENTATIONS
Session 1. Plant physiology and genetics for horticultural strategies
S1.K1. Irina I. Vaseva. Drought-mitigating strategies based on hormonal regulation of stress response ...................................................8
S1.O1. Ana Dovilė Juškytė*, Ingrida Mažeikienė, Edvinas Misiukevičius. Expression pro�ile of blackcurrant
(Ribes nigrum L.) transcription factors under chill-hardening in vitro .........................................................................................................................9
S1.O2. Raminta Antanynienė*, Monika Kurgonaitė, Birutė Frercks. De novo assembly of Monilinia fructigena genome .............. 10
S1.O3. Augustina Kolytaitė*, Saulė Raklevičiūtė, Birutė Frercks. Characterisation of potential microbial antagonists
against brown rot disease .................................................................................................................................................................................................................
11
S1.O4. Edvinas Misiukevičius*, Ingrida Mažeikienė, Viktorija Žukauskaitė, Vidmantas Stanys.
Unveiling the drought resilience of tetraploid daylilies: insights into ploidy’s impact on plant adaptation ................................................12
Session 2. Plant response-based cultivation technologies
S2.K2. Francesco Orsini. Cultivating tomorrow: where and how indoor vertical farming will bring a horticultural revolution ....... 13
S2.O1. Akvilė Vir
šilė*, Giedrė Samuolienė, Kristina Laužikė, Audrius Pukalskas. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles:
the relations between
plant material and the consistency of particle yield and properties ...............................................................................14
S2.O2. Ieva Gudžinskaitė*, Giedrė Samuolienė. Evaluation of nutritional value in mustard microgreens under different
light conditions during growth and storage .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
S2.O3. Sasan Aliniaeifard. Natural genetic variations in populations of horticultural crops in response to different
stressors based on chlorophyll �luorescence analysis
.......................................................................................................................................................... 16
S2.O4. Martynas Urbutis*, Giedrė Samuolienė. Hormone based biostimulants: effect on oilseed rape photosynthesis
and productivity .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
S2.O5. Aušra Brazaitytė*, Rūta Sutulienė, Martynas Urbutis, Kamilė Stašytė, Pavelas Duchovskis.
Interactive effect of different lighting and CuO and ZnO nanoparticles on kale growth and mineral composition ...................................18
S2.O6. Hamayun Shabir*, Giuseppe Rizzello, Francesco Orsini, Giuseppina Pennisi. Innovative farming systems for job
creation and social inclusion in modern prisons: ideas from the International Student Challenge UrbanFarm2024
.............................19
CONTENT OF ABSTRACTS
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
7
Session 3. Plant protection and product quality
S3.K3. Beatrix Alsanius*, Maria Hellström, Samar Khalil, Maria Karlsson, Anna Karin Rosberg. Integrated control
in new light ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
20
S3.O1. Armina Morkeliūnė, Simona Chrapačienė*, Alma Valiuškaitė, Juozas Lanauskas, Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė.
The level of knowledge on strawberries diseases and
plant protection among Lithuanian farmers .............................................................. 21
S3.O2. Simona Chrapačienė*, Lina Dėnė, Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė. Evaluation of alternative sources of biopesticides
from plants
for Alternaria disease management in carrots ...............................................................................................................................................22
S3.O3. Vytautas Bunevičius*, Giedrė Andriuškaitė, Alma Valiuškaitė, Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė. Biocontrol capabilities
of Alternaria spp. by plant extracts ................................................................................................................................................................................................23
S3.O4. Aistė Balčiūnaitienė*, Urtė Raubytė, Syeda Hijab Zehra, Jonas Viškelis, Pranas Viškelis. Physico-chemical
properties and antimicrobial activity of bacterial nanocellulose biocomposite with green silver nanoparticles .....................................24
S3.O5. Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė, Juozas Lanauskas*, Rytis Rugienius, Alma Valiuškaitė. Individual strawberry cultivar
variation based on consumer satisfaction
................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Session 4. Sustainable cultivation and biodiversity
S4.K4. Nazim S. Gruda. Product quality, values, and criteria for vegetables in the supply chain .....................................................................26
S4.O1. Raminta Skipitytė*,
Rūta Barisevičiūtė, Monika Toleikienė. Investigation of soybean-microbial interactions
using stable isotopes ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................27
S4.O2. Vaida Čepulienė*, Danguolė Juškevičienė, Jonas Viškelis, Rasa Karklelienė. Biological diversity and nutritional
importance of the perennial vegetable genus Allium
............................................................................................................................................................28
S4.O3. Agnė Mačiulskaitė*, Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė. The evaluation of antioxidant activity of Amelanchier alnifolia L. fruits ........29
S4.O4. Greta Laurinaitytė*, Kristina Laužikė, Lina Dėnė. Strawberry antioxidant system response and secondary
metabolite content after treatment with Syzygium aromaticum extract ...................................................................................................................... 30
S4.O5. Sandra Saunoriūtė*, Lina Raudonė. Variations in antioxidant activity and phenolic content in fruit extracts
of the invasive Amelanchier
× spicata (Lam.) Koch from different habitats in Lithuania ......................................................................................31
S4.O6. Khadija Ramzan*, Jonas Viskelis, Aiste Balciunaitiene. Enhancing PDMS with natural pigments:
a sustainable approach to polymer modi�ication
.................................................................................................................................................................. 32
CONTENT OF ABSTRACTS
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
8
ABSTRACTS OF PRESENTATIONS
Session 1. Plant physiology and genetics for horticultural strategies
S1.K1. Drought-mitigating strategies based on hormonal regulation
of stress response
Irina I. Vaseva
Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Acad. Georgi Bonchev St., Block 21, 1113 So�ia, Bulgaria. E-mail: vaseva@bio21.bas.bg
Extreme climatic events like prolonged lack of rainfall, �loods or unusually high or low temperatures
have become more frequent over the last decades due to the ongoing climate crisis. According to the United
Nations Convention to Combat Deserti�ication (UNCCD) report, regional droughts have increased by 30%
since 2000, posing one of the most serious dangers to agricultural systems. Consistent science-based efforts
are necessary to address the negative effects of climate change on food crops worldwide. The proposed new
approaches should also take into account the requirements of organic plant breeding for a healthier and cleaner
environment. Understanding the complex hormonal interactions that trigger adequate stress response is a
crucial step in developing ef�icient and eco-friendly strategies for drought resilience of �ield-grown crops. It
has been demonstrated that besides their role as growth promoters, natural substances could also be used as
tolerance boosters or stress recovery facilitators. Such applications are linked to hormonal components that
are included in most of the plant-derived biostimulants in physiologically active concentrations. Exogenously
applied plant growth-regulating substances that simulate exposure to hormetic stress could activate intrinsic
plant defence mechanisms. Subsequently, the triggered protective reactions would con�irm the chances
for survival under unfavourable conditions. The testing of this concept delivered promising results in leafy
vegetable species primed with plant growth regulators in bioequivalent doses.
The experimental data suggest that hormone mixtures consisting of stress- and growth-promoting
hormones mixed in speci�ic ratios could effectively reduce drought stress.
SESSION 1. Keynote lecture
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
9
S1.O1. Expression pro�ile of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.)
transcription factors under chill-hardening in vitro
Ana Dovilė Juškytė*, Ingrida Mažeikienė, Edvinas Misiukevičius
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: ana.dovile.juskyte@lammc.lt
A dormant period in winter is crucial for the successful �lowering of many garden plants. Chill-
hardening of orchard plants causes metabolic changes and allows to withstand subsequent and more severe
conditions. A plant’s response to chill-hardening can be physical, morphological, and biochemical, all of which
are determined by the peculiarities of the genome.
In temperate climate zone, where blackcurrants are grown, a large yield reduction is caused due to
insuf�icient winter hardiness and frost resistance. The provision of a cold-stress stable germplasm collection
is a vital component in Ribes spp. breeding. However, the genes controlling resistance to cold, their origin,
interaction and inheritance is a complex mechanism that needs more research. De novo blackcurrant
transcriptome opened opportunity to identify the mechanisms of resistance to low temperature.
The study aimed to determine the expression of blackcurrants’ transcription factors (TFs) during
hardening at 4°C for a period of 4 days. According to the obtained data, a protein-protein interaction (PPI)
network and a heatmap were constructed. It was determined that 32 TFs, including members of the bHLH, bZIP,
IAA, MYB, MYC, WRKY, etc., were involved in the PPI network, of which 19 TFs had a signi�icantly up-regulated
expression level (log2FoldChange) and 13 – down-regulated. The expression of TFs ranged from −33.014
for histone-lysine N-methyltransferase (ATXR6) to 32.475 for basic leucine zipper 4 (bZIP4). Oligonucleotide
primers for these TFs were generated and speci�ic fragments were ampli�ied using RT-PCR method.
TFs are important elements in the triggering of plant defence mechanisms. Therefore, the obtained
results will provide valuable insights into the cold-stress response mechanism and identify effective ways to
increase cold tolerance in blackcurrants.
SESSION 1. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
10
S1.O2. De novo assembly of Monilinia fructigena genome
Raminta Antanynienė*, Monika Kurgonaitė, Birutė Frercks
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: raminta.antanyniene@lammc.lt
In Rosacea family plants, the most economically important diseases – blossom blight, brown rot and twig
canker – are caused by fungus
Monilinia spp. pathogens worldwide. In the National Centre for Biotechnology
Information (NCBI) database available referenced genome of Monilinia fructigena is contig-level only and
sequenced using Illumina and Paci�ic Biosciences sequencing platforms. However, the published M. fructigena
genome is not complete, and additional information is required to acquire the genome at the chromosomal
level. A complete genome of M. fructigena would allow analysis of genomes and genes between species and
be useful for understanding the pathogenicity of the fungi. The aim of the study was to sequence the complete
M. fructigena genome and assemble a full de novo genome sequence at the chromosomal level. The pathogen
of M. fructigena was collected and isolated from plum (Prunus domestica L.) fruits in the orchard of the
Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The genomic DNA
of the M. fructigena fungal culture was extracted from isolated culture, after which long-read and short-read
sequencing was performed using next-generation sequencing platforms from Oxford Nanopore Technologies
and Illumina, respectively. A hybrid de novo genome assembly was performed to construct the M. fructigena
genome. The resulting contig-level genome is similar to the published reference genome of M. fructigena
(43Mbp, ref. No. ASM326056v1). Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) analysis was
performed to assess genome completeness before proceeding to further bioinformatics analysis in order to
achieve the genome at the chromosomal level.
SESSION 1. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
11
S1.O3. Characterisation of potential microbial antagonists
against brown rot disease
Augustina Kolytaitė*
1
, Saulė Raklevičiūtė
2
, Birutė Frercks
1
1
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: augustina.kolytaite@lammc.lt
2
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
A. Mickevičiaus St. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
It is already known that plant microbiota can not only be neutral or negatively affect the host, but also
promote its growth and even protect it from various stresses, including pathogens. After noticing the bene�its
of microorganisms, the development of biological products that could replace mineral fertilisers and chemical
plant protection products began. Nowadays, there are various studies about local bene�icial microorganisms
for crops and orchards, but the availability of biological products against speci�ic pathogens is still scarce.
One of the examples is brown rot disease, whose causative agent is the extremely aggressive pathogen
Monilinia fructigena, which affects both pome and stone fruit orchards. To �ill this gap, the microorganisms
of the local plum orchard were investigated. The aim of the study was to identify the isolated plum orchard
microorganisms and to describe their properties at the genetic potential level and antagonistic abilities to
inhibit M. fructigena pathogen. Microorganisms were isolated from the local plum orchard rhizosphere, plum
buds and fruits. Pure cultures were tested against M. fructigena. In total, 12 isolates showed antagonistic
activity ranging from 56% to 90%. Whole genome-sequencing data revealed three distinct genera of bacterial
organisms (Bacillus pumilus
, B. velezensis, Lysinibacillus agricola, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, P. �luorescens, and
P. graminis) and one genus of yeast-like fungi (Aureobasidium pullulans). KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes
and Genomes) pathways, antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolites were predicted as
related to antagonism and growth promotion.
In conclusion, all 12 isolates are potential biological control strains with important application value
for future development of biocontrol products in the Baltic region. The results of the study and additional
experiments with fruits and �ield trials will help to further investigate the mechanism of all these microbial
isolates in the biological control of plant diseases and promote their application.
SESSION 1. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
12
S1.O4. Unveiling the drought resilience of tetraploid daylilies:
insights into ploidy’s impact on plant adaptation
Edvinas Misiukevičius*, Ingrida Mažeikienė, Viktorija Žukauskaitė,
Vidmantas Stanys
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: edvinas.misiukevicius@lammc.lt
Climate change signi�icantly impacts plant physiology, emphasising the need for water conservation
and sustainable management practices in horticulture. The research aims to investigate how ploidy affects the
ability of daylilies to withstand drought stress by comparing the morphological and physiological changes in
diploid and tetraploid cultivars under controlled water de�icit conditions. 19 diploid and 21 tetraploid daylily
cultivars were selected for the study to evaluate their performance in arid environment. The research methods
involved subjecting the daylily plants to controlled water de�icit conditions and analysing morphological (plant
height, leaf length, and leaf yellowing) and physiological (chlorophyll, �lavonoid and nitrogen balance indices,
and ROS accumulation) parameters to assess their response to drought stress. Additionally, the study used
the drought stress response index to quantify plant response to water de�icit challenges. The study revealed
different responses between diploid and tetraploid daylilies under drought-stress conditions. Tetraploid
plants demonstrated enhanced adaptability and resilience to water de�icit challenges compared to diploid
ones. Speci�ically, tetraploid daylilies exhibited superior stress tolerance, reduced chlorophyll index decline,
and better performance under severe drought conditions.
These results suggest that ploidy plays a signi�icant role in shaping plant responses to drought stress
and highlight the potential for developing drought-tolerant cultivars through targeted breeding programmes.
In conclusion, this research emphasises the signi�icant role of ploidy in shaping plant resilience to water
de�icit. These insights have direct implications for sustainable �loriculture practices, landscape horticulture,
and breeding programmes aimed at developing drought-tolerant genotypes.
SESSION 1. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
13
Session 2. Plant response-based cultivation technologies
S2.K2. Cultivating tomorrow:
where and how indoor vertical farming will bring a horticultural revolution
Francesco Orsini
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna
Viale Fanin, 44-40127 Bologna, Italy. E-mail: f.orsini@unibo.it
Food systems are responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and have a signi�icant
impact on water, soil and mineral nutrient consumption. Indoor vertical farming is gaining relevance globally
as an innovative crop production system that is resilient to climate change, resource ef�icient and adaptable
to densely populated environments. Although the technology �inds main applications in the Global North,
its widespread adoption in other regions of the world is limited by both the elevate capex (mainly related
to lighting technology) and opex (mostly associated with energy consumption). At the same time, consumer
acceptance of the technology is still limited due to persistent skepticism about its potential on producing quality
food or reducing the environmental impact of the food system. However, recent studies have demonstrated
that vertical farming may prove sustainable in a range of different climates where traditional greenhouse
production techniques have to deal with either limited availability of resources (water, nutrients) or higher
energy costs for cooling or lighting the growing environment. This is especially true for fresh vegetable crops,
whose speci�icities in terms of quality requirements and market price may counterbalance the increased
production costs in vertical farms. Within the national research project Sustainable Vertical Farming
(VFarm), research on crop diversi�ication and sustainability assessment of the technology is currently being
performed.
The study demonstrated that through constant and accurate monitoring of the use of resources
associated with the individual elements of the system, the main sources of impact are identi�ied, and sustainable
management technologies and protocols in both economic and environmental terms are developed.
SESSION 2. Keynote lecture
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
14
S2.O1. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles: the relations between
plant material and the consistency of particle yield and properties
Akvilė Viršilė*, Giedrė Samuolienė, Kristina Laužikė, Audrius Pukalskas
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: akvile.virsile@lammc.lt
Medicinal and agricultural plants accumulate a number of phytochemicals that have biological effects on
human health. It is known that these substances are often encapsulated in nanovesicles involved in intercellular
communication, which serve as capsules protecting their stability and biological activity and facilitating tissue
penetration. Therefore, the application of plant-derived exosomes (PE) and other nanovesicle preparations
in cosmetics and pharmaceutics has great potential, but the quality and integrity of the plant raw material
are critical for the reproducibility of the results. Followingly, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the
properties (yield, morphology, particle concentration, biochemical properties, and biological activity) a
number of medicinal and agricultural plants: tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, pepper leaves and fruits,
Hypericum perforatum, Chelidonium majus, Artemisia absinthium, Scutellaria baicalensis, Silybum marianum,
Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Calendula of�icinalis, etc. Plants were grown in controlled environment agricultural
systems under different conditions of temperature, lighting, and nitrogen nutrition. Important knowledge
was gathered on the effect of the environment on the constancy of the yield and antioxidant properties of PE
preparations and the possibilities to achieving higher PE yield and antioxidant properties by purposefully
adjusting the parameters of the growing environment.
The obtained results show that the species and even the cultivar has a signi�icant in�luence on the
properties of the PE preparations. It is also important to consider their dependence on the plant developmental
stage and distribution in plant organs. Biomass from agricultural plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers,
strawberries, etc., can be purposefully used for PE extraction, as they are characterised by high productivity,
yield of proteins and nanoparticles in PE preparations.
SESSION 2. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
15
S2.O2. Evaluation of nutritional value in mustard microgreens
under different light conditions during growth and storage
Ieva Gudžinskaitė*
1
, Giedrė Samuolienė
1,2
1
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: ieva.gudzinskaite@lammc.lt
2
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University
Vileikos St. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
Light is one of the most important growing environmental factors that can in�luence nutritional
value, visual appearance, and overall taste of plants. The research aimed to show that lighting intensity and
spectral composition may have an impact on antioxidant activity of microgreens. Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
microgreens were grown in peat substrate, photoperiod 16 h, temperature 21 ± 3°C. The experiments were
conducted in a greenhouse (lat. 55°, January, natural photosynthetic photon �lux density (PPFD) ∼10–
15 µmol m
−2
s
−1
) (I) with supplemental white (4000K) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lighting, a total PPFD of
100, 150, 200, and 250 µmol m
−2
s
−1
was maintained; (II) for supplemental light, lamps with different spectral
composition ratio consisting of red (R), blue (B), and white (W) light, maintaining PPFD of 250 µmol m
−2
s
−1
,
were used; (III) cation-exchange capacity (CEC) spectral composition consisted of deep red 61%, blue 20%,
white 15%, and far red 4%, a total PPFD of 150, 200, and 250 µmol m
−2
s
−1
was maintained. After harvesting,
the microgreens were stored in light (8 h) and dark conditions at a temperature of +4°C. Samples were taken on
harvest day (D
0
) and after one (D
1
), three (D
3
) and �ive (D
5
) days of storage. The research data show the impact
of PPFDs and light spectral composition during growth on the response of mustard microgreen antioxidant
system and the dynamics of nutritionally valuable metabolites after harvest.
In conclusion, lighting conditions during growth and storage may impact secondary metabolism
and shelf-life of microgreens. Moreover, the selection of proper growing and storage lighting conditions is
important to both economic and nutritional bene�its.
SESSION 2. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
16
S2.O3. Natural genetic variations in populations of horticultural crops
in response to different stressors based on chlorophyll �luorescence analysis
Sasan Aliniaeifard
1, 2
1
Photosynthesis Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Aburaihan Campus
University of Tehran, Iran
2
Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
University of Tehran, Iran. E-mail: aliniaeifard@ut.ac.ir
Chlorophyll �luorescence is widely recognised as a reliable indicator of photosynthesis functionality.
In the present study, an imaging system and �luorometers capable of measuring and analysing chlorophyll
�luorescence in a non-destructive manner were used to assess the response of different horticultural crop
species to various stressors. During the experiment, controlled stress conditions were applied such as cold,
salt, light, and drought stresses to the plant populations (including tomato, rose, chrysanthemum, basil, and
cucumber) and measured their healthiness of electron transport systems using chlorophyll �luorescence
analysis. Maximum photosystem II quantum yield, photosystem II ef�iciency, rapid induction of chlorophyll
�luorescence, light curve, and non-photochemical quenching were used to study the response of plant
populations to stressors. It was found that parameters related to the chlorophyll �luorescence are more
reliable indicators to assess stresses such as cold and light stresses compared to the biochemical indicators.
For assessing the light levels, analysis based on the light curve data resulted in the best responses. The
drought factor index calculated based on performance index on the absorption basis discriminated the tomato
genotypes nicely in response to drought stress.
In conclusion, using chlorophyll �luorescence as an indicator, it is possible to identify variations in
stress responses between different horticultural crop populations. This information can be of great value
for breeders and researchers in selecting stress-tolerant cultivars and developing targeted interventions to
increase crop productivity.
SESSION 2. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
17
S2.O4. Hormone based biostimulants:
effect on oilseed rape photosynthesis and productivity
Martynas Urbutis*
1
, Giedrė Samuolienė
1,2
1
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: martynas.urbutis@lammc.lt
2
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University
Vileikos St. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
To increase plant yield and optimise nutrient utilisation, phytohormone-based biostimulants play a
crucial role in the adaptation processes, having a signi�icant in�luence on the physiological responses of plants.
The study investigated the effect of external plant hormones on the productivity, photosynthesis, and nutrient
composition of oilseed rape cultivar ‘Mercedes’. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, maintaining
a 16-hour photoperiod, 70% humidity and an average temperature of 21–22
°C during the day and 15–17°C at
night. A combination of two phytohormones: kinetin (KIN), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA
3
),
abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA), in ratio 1:1 per treatment was applied at 30 mg L
−1
concentration
of each. A combination of exogenous phytohormones was applied at BBCH 14–16, BBCH 31–35, and BBCH
51–55 development stages. Analysis was performed 5 days after each application, and plant productivity
was assessed at the end of maturity. Stimulation of plants with phytohormone-based biostimulants showed
a signi�icant increase in photosynthetic productivity, particularly in combinations of growth- and stress-
related phytohormones: IAA+SA and GA+ABA. Moreover, IAA+SA was found to signi�icantly increase the
photosynthesis rate, while KIN+SA increased the pod number per plant.
SESSION 2. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
18
S2.O5. Interactive effect of different lighting and CuO and ZnO nanoparticles
on kale growth and mineral composition
Aušra Brazaitytė*, Rūta Sutulienė, Martynas Urbutis,
Kamilė Stašytė, Pavelas Duchovskis
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: ausra.brazaityte@lammc.lt
The study aimed to determine how different LED lighting spectra combined with CuO and ZnO
nanoparticles (NPs) affect the growth of the elemental composition of kale (Brassica oleracea, ‘Lacinato’).
Plants were grown in hydroponic systems with red-blue (R90%:B10%, RB) and white-red-blue (W65%:
R30%:B5%, WRB) LED lighting at an intensity of 250
± 5 μmol m
−2
s
−1
, sprayed with aqueous suspensions of
CuO (40 nm, 30 ppm) and ZnO (35
–45 nm, 800 ppm) NPs. Their elemental composition was measured using
an ICP-OES spectrometer, hazard quotients were calculated, and growth parameters such as fresh and dry
weight and leaf area were determined. Cu accumulation was higher when plants were treated with CuO NPs
and RB lighting combined. The combination of CuO NPs and lighting had no signi�icant effect on the content
of many other mineral elements (ME). Zn was released, which increased approximately three times in the
combination of CuO NPs and WRB, while Mn decreased almost twice under these conditions. LED lighting,
especially WRB, combined with the ZnO NPs application, signi�icantly affected Zn accumulation in kale. Such
a combination increased Mo, decreased Cu content and had no effect on other ME. The calculated hazard
quotients showed that the limits were not exceeded when the selected concentrations of CuO and ZnO NPs
and growth conditions were applied to kale. CuO NPs positively affected kale growth under WRB but had no
effect under RB lighting. Meanwhile, ZnO NPs slightly increased the growth of kale under WRB, but decreased
their weight and leaf area under RB lighting.
In conclusion, CuO and ZnO NPs had the most substantial effect in increasing the respective
microelements. However, the increase depended on lighting: RB lighting was more appropriate for Cu
accumulation, and WRB – for Zn accumulation.
SESSION 2. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
19
S2.O6. Innovative farming systems for job creation and social inclusion
in modern prisons: ideas from the International Student Challenge
UrbanFarm2024
Hamayun Shabir*, Giuseppe Rizzello, Francesco Orsini, Giuseppina Pennisi
Department of Agri-Food Science and Technology (DISTAL), University of Bologna
Viale Giuseppe Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy. E-mail: hamayun.shabir@studio.unibo.it
Under the framework of the International Student challenge UrbanFarm2024, students from the
University of Bologna Alma Mater Studiorum and the Swedish Agricultural University collaborated and shared
ideas for the development of an innovative agricultural system to be integrated into a prison facility located
in Trelleborg, Skåne, Sweden. Students were asked to combine interdisciplinary solutions involving urban
horticulture, landscape design, and smart farming systems alongside the concept of biophilia, in order to
amplify advantages of green design on human wellbeing. The three pillars of sustainability were essential
elements in the development process, along with the choice for adapting solutions to speci�ic environments
involving users and stakeholders. This innovative and interdisciplinary educational approach allowed
students to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice, while also providing an opportunity to participate
in an international experience, strengthening soft skills and interpersonal relations. The presentation will
illustrate a selection of technological solutions, management models, dissemination and communication
activities as well as business model proposed by two student teams (namely Hyphae and Green Mates) with
the aim to implement innovative strategies for engaging inmates in farming for revenue generation as well as
recreational, social and therapeutical functionalities.
SESSION 2. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
20
Session 3. Plant protection and product quality
S3.K3. Integrated control in new light
Beatrix Alsanius*, Maria Hellström, Samar Khalil, Maria Karlsson,
Anna Karin Rosberg
Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
P.O. Box 190, SE-23422 Lomma, Sweden. E-mail: beatrix.alsanius@slu.se
Arti�icial assimilation lighting is a common practice in circumpolar greenhouse horticulture to
compensate for low levels of natural light. The introduction of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in commercial
horticulture allows applications to be tailored to crop needs and speci�ic crop management practices. The
use of LEDs is an emerging area to improve the effectiveness of biocontrol agents in the management of
common foliar diseases such as grey mould and powdery mildew in controlled environment horticulture,
e.g., greenhouses, polytunnels, and plant factories. The study considers the potential of light-assisted
improvement of biocontrol agents based on the phyllobiome, i.e. the canopy and its associated microbiota.
It focuses on the fate of non-phototrophic microorganisms. The effects of light on some important fungal
plant pathogens causing foliar diseases in controlled environment horticulture have been studied in detail.
Wavelength, exposure dose, and light delivery (e.g., incident, photoperiod) were identi�ied as important
factors. The presence of photoreceptors has been demonstrated in several non-phototrophic heterotrophic
bacteria. These photoreceptors globally regulate metabolic functional activities and can induce metabolic and
lifestyle changes that are important for biocontrol ef�icacy.
There is no general blueprint for using non-phototrophic microbes for biocontrol purposes. The
wavelength, exposure dose and ef�icacy enhancers as well as the placement of the light source within the
canopy must be chosen based on the requirements of the individual biocontrol organism.
SESSION 3. Keynote lecture
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
21
S3.O1. The level of knowledge on strawberries diseases and
plant protection among Lithuanian farmers
Armina Morkeliūnė, Simona Chrapačienė*, Alma Valiuškaitė,
Juozas Lanauskas, Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: armina.morkeliune@lammc.lt
Strawberries belong to the Rosaceae family and are one of the most popular berries in the world,
consumed for their nutritional content and pleasant taste. Colletotrichum spp. causes signi�icant losses in
strawberry yield. The most popular means of reducing the damage caused by pathogenic fungi is chemical
disease control. Colletotrichum spp. control is dif�icult due to the pathogen’s ability to cause damage at any
stage of plant growth. The European Union aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides; therefore, plant
protection focuses on environment-friendly alternatives. Essential oils (EO) can be used as an environment-
friendly alternative. The study focuses on determining the level of knowledge of Lithuanian farmers about
plant diseases, the most grown strawberry cultivars, biological products and their effectiveness. Approximately
61.90% of the farmers were aware of plant diseases and knew where to �ind more information. The most
widely grown strawberry cultivars were determined: ‘Malvina’ 21%, ‘Rumba’ 19%, ‘Asia’ 17%, ‘Flair’ 12%,
others – 31%. Strawberry anthracnose causes the most damage to strawberries – this was stated by 11
respondents. Biological insecticides and fungicides are used by the 17.64% of respondents. The evaluation of
the effectiveness of biological products shows that 18% are effective, 59% are effective but not as chemicals,
18% are insuf�iciently effective, and 5% are effective only under certain conditions.
The �indings highlight the importance of understanding aspects of effective disease control and
sustainable farming practices.
Acknowledgement. This project has received funding from the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT),
agreement No [S-NORDFORSK-23-6].
SESSION 3. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
22
S3.O2. Evaluation of alternative sources of biopesticides from plants
for Alternaria disease management in carrots
Simona Chrapačienė*, Lina Dėnė, Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: simona.chrapaciene@lammc.lt
The increasing prevalence of Alternaria diseases, caused by fungal pathogens A. dauci and A. radicina,
poses a signi�icant threat to carrot crops worldwide, leading to substantial yield loss and quality degradation.
Conventional chemical fungicides, though effective, pose environmental and health concerns, driving the need
for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. The study investigated the potential of plant extracts as a method
of biological control of Alternaria diseases in carrots. Laboratory and �ield experiments were conducted to
evaluate the ef�icacy of thyme, clove, and clove-laurel extraction products in vitro and controlling Alternaria
spp. infection in a carrot �ield. For the in vitro experiment, different Alternaria isolates were grown on PDA
with extracts at a concentration of 0.01–4%. Field spraying was started when the carrot roots were larger
than 0.5 cm in diameter until they were fully developed and reached the characteristic shape and size. In
comparison, chemical fungicide was applied twice, while plant extracts (0.01–1.1%) �ive times.
The results demonstrated a signi�icant reduction in disease incidence and severity compared to untreated
controls. Thyme essential oil and clove-laurel extract most effectively inhibited the growth of Alternaria spp. in
vitro and signi�icantly inhibited carrot diseases under �ield conditions compared to untreated carrots.
SESSION 3. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
23
S3.O3. Biocontrol capabilities of Alternaria spp. by plant extracts
Vytautas Bunevičius*, Giedrė Andriuškaitė, Alma Valiuškaitė,
Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: vytautas.bunevicius@lammc.lt
Pathogenic fungi can cause various plant diseases that affect their growth and development and lead
to yield loss. Nowadays, crop protection depends on chemical pesticides, but their use can have a negative
impact on the environment and human health. Residues of chemical pesticides can remain in the soil for years;
therefore, it is necessary to look for effective and harmless biological control measures. An alternative is the use
of plant extracts (PE) and essential oils (EO). PE and EO contain many valuable biologically active substances,
many of which can be used safely and effectively to control pathogens. The research aimed to investigate the
inhibitory effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus of�icinalis L.) plant extract and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.
)
essential oil against Alternaria spp. The PE was obtained by CO
2
extraction and the EO – by hydrodistillation.
Monocultures of Alternaria spp. were treated with PE and EO at concentrations of 1200, 1600, and 2000 μl
L
−1
. The mycelium diameter was measured after 2, 4, and 7 days. The results of the study showed that both
PE and EO had inhibitory effects against Alternaria spp. Mycelial growth was more effectively inhibited by
peppermint EO than rosemary PE. It was also found that the substances at these evaluated concentrations had
only a temporary effect.
The results of the study suggest that properly adapted plant-based materials can be used as biocontrol
products allowing to inhibit the pathogenic fungi of Alternaria spp.
SESSION 3. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
24
S3.O4. Physico-chemical properties and antimicrobial activity of
bacterial nanocellulose biocomposite with green silver nanoparticles
Aistė Balčiūnaitienė*
1
, Urtė Raubytė
2
, Syeda Hijab Zehra
1
,
Jonas Viškelis
1
, Pranas Viškelis
1
1
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: aiste.balciunaitiene@lammc.lt
2
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University
Saulėtekio Ave. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania. E-mail: lisauskait@yahoo.com
Green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesised using medicinal plant extracts as capping and reducing
agents show signi�icant potential in addressing infection-related threats. In the study, a sustainable, low-toxic
and cost-effective composite of bacterial nanocellulose with AgNPs using oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) as a
reducing agent due to its rich biological components was developed. The formation of AgNPs in the composite
and their morphological properties were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy
dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity was
evaluated using the agar diffusion Kirby-Bauer method against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial
strains. The composite of bacterial nanocellulose with AgNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity
against all bacterial cultures tested. Structural analysis via TEM con�irmed the presence of spherical AgNPs in
the cellulose composite.
This approach to creating antimicrobial composites is promising in the �ight against antibiotics,
antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
SESSION 3. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
25
S3.O5. Individual strawberry cultivar variation based on consumer satisfaction
Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė, Juozas Lanauskas*, Rytis Rugienius, Alma Valiuškaitė
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: neringa.rasiukeviciute@lammc.lt
Strawberries are quite popular in Lithuania and throughout the European Union. The quality of
strawberries depends on consumer requirements and satisfaction with the sensory properties of the fruits.
Fruit �irmness, colour coordinates, anthocyanin content, soluble solids, phenolic compounds and other
properties can be evaluated by performing various analyses. However, the analyses do not always represent
the consumers preference for fruits. Nowadays, are important not only the nutritional properties of fruits,
but also the responsibility of consumers. The sensory panel was used at the Institute of Horticulture, LAMMC
in 2023. During the consumer test, �ive strawberry cultivars were evaluated for taste (1–5 scale), sensory
properties (15), appearance (1–5 scale) and descriptive properties (11). The consumer panel consisted of 32
customers, of which 75% were female and 25% male. The age range was from 20 to 80 years, 34.4% were
30–40 years old and 28.1% 61–70 ones. The overall reliability of the appearance results revealed that mostly
likeable were strawberry cultivars ‘Faith’ and ‘Sonsation’. Consumers prefer strawberries with regular shape
(21.2%) and large (21.2%) fruits, with fruit truss (18.13%), brilliant (14.1%) and dark red (13.1%) colour.
The taste overall likeable was also a variety ‘Sonsation’ strawberries. Consumers prefer strawberry �lavour
(13.0%), pleasant �lavour (12.0%), juicy (12.0%), low sweet (10.0%), and crunchy (9.0%) fruits.
The results of the study showed that consumer tests provide a broader view of the sensory properties
of strawberry fruits.
Acknowledgement. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research
and innovation program under the grant agreement No 101000747 open call agreement “The development of
methodological tool kits to evaluate selected genotypes of strawberry fruits in Lithuania” (LTtraining).
SESSION 3. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
26
Session 4. Sustainable cultivation and biodiversity
S4.K4. Product quality, values, and criteria for vegetables in the supply chain
Nazim S. Gruda
University of Bonn
Regina-Pacis-Weg 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Ensuring product quality in the vegetable supply chain is a multifaceted that is determined by various
factors, including visual appearance, texture, nutritional content, and sensory characteristics such as taste
and �lavour. Meeting high product quality standards while aligning with consumer expectations is particularly
challenging for premium vegetable crops. Current standards focus primarily on appearance and texture,
often neglecting critical aspects like nutritional content and sensory properties. Addressing this gap requires
several innovations to manage the complex interplay of factors in�luencing vegetable quality. Strategic
trade-offs are necessary to maintain environmentally friendly production practices and to ensure a balance
between quality, yield, and sustainability. The integration of advanced technologies and data analytics can
also play a signi�icant role in monitoring and improving quality parameters at various stages of the supply
chain. By identifying and leveraging intricate trends, stakeholders can consistently improve vegetable quality
throughout the supply chain, meeting both product- and consumer-oriented demands. These insights are not
only interesting, but also valuable for professionals and researchers of the horticulture and food industry. This
holistic approach contributes to long-term viability and emphasises the importance of comprehensive quality
criteria in improving product quality in the vegetable supply chain.
SESSION 4. Keynote lecture
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
27
S4.O1. Investigation of soybean-microbial interactions using stable isotopes
Raminta Skipitytė*
1, 2
,
Rūta Barisevičiūtė
2
, Monika Toleikienė
1
1
Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Instituto Ave. 1, Akademija, LT-58344 Kėdainiai dist., Lithuania. E-mail: raminta.skipityte@lammc.lt
2
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology
Saulėtekio Ave. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
One of the declared objectives of the Green Deal strategy (European Commission, 2019) is to make
the cultivation of protein crops in Europe more pro�itable and competitive. Soybeans and other legumes
become key components in the diversi�ication strategy for more sustainable farming. Increasing studies of the
atmospheric nitrogen accumulation of legumes have increased the interest in their cultivation in countries
with a cool climate such as Lithuania. This study aims to improve the understanding of the relationships
between soybean plants and nodule-forming symbiotic bacteria to �ind new instruments for a better symbiosis
that lead to better atmospheric N
2
�ixation. Better symbiotic relationships have advantage of higher nitrogen
accumulation in the seeds and therefore better yield quality. This reduces the need for nitrogen fertilisers
and can reduce environmental deterioration. Ef�icient use of nitrogen can also be bene�icial to producers and
consumers as well as environmental point of view that implement Green Deal goals such as climate change
mitigation and adaptation. To achieve such goals, a precise methodology allowing separation of different
sources of nitrogen is needed. The stable isotope ratio method, in turn, can improve knowledge of the sources
and fate of materials such as nitrogen that is the limiting element for crop growth and development. In the
study, several strains of microorganisms were tested on two soybeans cultivars
‘Laulema’ and ‘Merlin’. The
plant samples were taken twice during their growth and seed production. The nitrogen stable isotope ratio
was de�ined as
δ15N, which allowed the separation of the plant-microorganism associates according to their
nitrogen source. Isotopic values close to 0‰ showed greater importance in the �ixation of atmospheric
nitrogen. These values were also associated with higher nitrogen content.
To draw more valid conclusions based on different seasons and environmental conditions, the study
needs to be continued for a longer period.
SESSION 4. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
28
S4.O2. Biological diversity and nutritional importance of the
perennial vegetable genus Allium
Vaida Čepulienė*, Danguolė Juškevičienė, Jonas Viškelis, Rasa Karklelienė
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania.
E-mail: vaida.cepuliene@lammc.lt; danguole.juskeviciene@lammc
Since ancient times, Allium species have played a signi�icant role in the human nutrition, in traditional
medicine for the treatment of many ailments, and in of�icial medicine as a supplemental ingredient. Species
of the genus Allium belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and
the species grow widely in various regions. Among the perennial Allium species growing in Lithuania, the
most well-known and cultivated are A. schoenoprasum L., A. angulosum L., A. nutans L., A. �istulosum L., and
A. ursinum L. A changing climate affects the agrobiological and nutritional properties of perennial plants. Cold
resistance and winter hardiness are the main factors determining the geographical distribution of garlic.
Perennial Allium species adapt well to local growing areas, but yields remain constant or may increase when
the bulbs are transplanted under conditions similar to those in which they were grown in their original
locations.
The susceptibility of garlic to pests and pathogens also poses a serious threat to genetic resources
stored in uncontrolled �ield collections.
SESSION 4. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
29
S4.O3. The evaluation of antioxidant activity of Amelanchier alnifolia L. fruits
Agnė Mačiulskaitė*, Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Sukilelių Ave. 13, LT-50166 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: maciulskaite.agne@gmail.com
Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia L.) is a shrub, that is found in forests or thickets. Their fruits
are small black-blue berries, accumulating �lavanoids, phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Due to its
composition, it has the potential to act as a highly bene�icial antioxidant, anti-in�lammatory, anti-tumor,
hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic, and anti-radical agent. The aim of the study was to optimise the extraction and
preservation method and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of their ethanol extraction. The berries were
sampled from Rietavas district (55.67282, 22.11187) in July 2023. Three methods of preservation were
applied: freeze-drying, drying at 40
°C and freezing at −18°C. The berries were crushed. Extraction was
performed in an ultrasonic bath at different temperatures (20–25°C and 50–55°C), ethanol concentrations of
30%, 50%, and 70% for 10, 30, and 40 minutes. The ratio of the materials to ethanol was 1:20. Antioxidant
activity was determined by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS spectrophotometric analysis. The
results showed signi�icant differences in antioxidant activity depending on the extraction method. Preservation
method also affected the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts of saskatoon berries. The study shows
the dependence of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity on extraction and preservation methods.
By the optimisation of extraction conditions, the increasement in biologically active compounds may be
achieved, which leads to the further use of Saskatoon berry extracts in pharmaceutical �ield.
SESSION 4. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
30
S4.O4. Strawberry antioxidant system response and secondary metabolite
content after treatment with Syzygium aromaticum extract
Greta Laurinaitytė*, Kristina Laužikė, Lina Dėnė
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: laurinaityte.gr@gmail.com
Syzygium aromaticum (SA) extracts have various biological activities due to the high concentration of
secondary metabolites. Although the application of SA extracts appears more often in horticultural sector,
little is known about how plants respond to such plant-based compounds. The study was aimed to investigate
the effect of SA extract on the antioxidant system and secondary metabolites content of strawberry plants.
The study was carried out at the Institute of Horticulture, LAMMC. The experiment took place in a greenhouse
with controlled conditions: 21
°C temperature, 70% humidity, and 16-hour photoperiod. A randomised block
design with three replicates of �ive plants per variant was applied. The plants were sprayed three times with
SA extract mixture (0.2% concentration), and untreated plants were used as control. Samples of ten equal-
sized trifoliate leaves were collected at three different stages of the experiment from each variant, lyophilised
and used for extracts preparation. Biochemical analysis of the extracted samples for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP
antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, chlorophylls, and carotenoids was performed. The results
revealed that ABTS antioxidant activity decreased by 18% from the initial value of 1492 to 1224 mM TE g
−1
and �inally increased by 241% to 4178 mM TE g
−1
. Reducing DPPH antioxidant activity (by 41% from 454 mM
to 266 mM TE g
−1
) and a stable FRAP antioxidant activity (1091–1207 µmol TE g
−1
) were found at different
experimental periods in strawberries after treatment with SA extract. This indicates that the antioxidants
in plants respond differently to clove extract exposure. When evaluating the concentration of carotenoids,
chlorophylls, and total phenolics, a general trend of variation was also observed. SA slightly increased (from
56.83 to 69.65 mg GAE g
−1
) the concentration of total phenolic compounds 3 days after the last spraying, but
a decrease in concentration was observed after 7 days. The SA extract initially increased the concentration of
chlorophyll
a, b, and carotenoids in strawberries in the �irst stages of the experiment.
In conclusion, clove bud extract at a concentration of 0.2% had no negative effect on the concentration
of secondary metabolites and the activity of the strawberry antioxidant system and has a great potential for
further research and application in plants.
SESSION 4. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
31
S4.O5. Variations in antioxidant activity and phenolic content in fruit extracts
of the invasive Amelanchier × spicata (Lam.) Koch from different habitats in Lithuania
Sandra Saunoriūtė
*1,2
, Lina Raudonė
1,3
1
Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Sukilėlių Ave. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
2
Research Institute of Natural and Technological Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University
Universiteto St. 10, LT-53361 Akademija, Lithuania. E-mail: sandra.saunoriute@vdu.lt
3
Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Sukil
ėlių Ave. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
Plants of the genus Amelanchier (Medik.) are known to accumulate a variety of biologically active
compounds that are bene�icial to health, including phenolics, anthocyanins, triterpenes, minerals, and
vitamins. Different species and cultivars of Amelanchier exhibit strong antioxidant properties, making them
highly valuable for application in the food, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and cosmetics industries. The aim of
the study was to determine the amount of total phenolic compounds in the extracts of the invasive Amelanchier
× spicata (Lam. K. Koch) fruits and to assess their antioxidant activity. Fruits of A. spicata were collected in
July from urbanised areas and natural and semi-natural habitats in Lithuania. In the study, the total phenolic
content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and antioxidant activity was determined using FRAP and
CUPRAC assays. The amount of total phenolic compounds varied signi�icantly from 19.38 to 26.03 mg GAE g
−1
DW. The highest amount of total phenolic compounds (26.03 ± 0.33 mg GAE g
−1
DW) was determined in fruit
extracts collected from Bartlaukis (a semi-natural habitat in the western part of Lithuania). The strongest
reducing activity by FRAP (4149.24 ± 68.90 µmol TE g
−1
DW) and CUPRAC (2172.14 ± 20.50 µmol TE g
−1
DW) was determined in fruits extracts collected from Nevardėnai (a semi-natural habitat in the western part
of Lithuania) and Vievis (a natural habitat in the eastern part of Lithuania). The lowest content of phenolic
compounds (19.38 ± 0.33 mg GAE g
−1
DW) was found in fruits extracts collected from Kęsai (a semi-natural
habitat in the western part of Lithuania). The weakest reducing activity by CUPRAC (1760.32 ± 9.49 µmol TE
g
−1
DW) and FRAP (2080.82 ± 89.96 µmol TE g
−1
DW) was found in fruit extracts collected from semi-natural
habitats in the western part of Lithuania, especially in Klaišiškiai and Bartlaukis.
In conclusion, the fruits of A. spicata are sources of phenolic compounds and natural antioxidants.
Research data indicate that different habitats signi�icantly in�luence the variation of total phenolic content
and antioxidant activity in serviceberry fruit extracts.
SESSION 4. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
32
S4.O6. Enhancing PDMS with natural pigments:
a sustainable approach to polymer modi�ication
Khadija Ramzan*, Jonas Viskelis, Aiste Balciunaitiene
Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Kauno St. 30, Babtai, LT-54333 Kaunas dist., Lithuania. E-mail: khadija.ramzan@lammc.lt
Vegetables and fruits are essential sources of organic substances. Fruits and vegetables are the
most wasted foods in the food supply chain with more than 70% being thrown out. The study presents a
new research initiative that aims to transform commercial polymer coloring by using naturally occurring
biodegradable pigments derived from fruit and vegetable by-products. According to the European Green Deal
(EGD) policy for sustainable innovation, the initiative addresses the long-term problem of plastic waste and
the serious environmental risks caused by existing synthetic pigments. The research methodology involves the
extraction and identi�ication of pigments (betalains, anthocyanins, and carotenoids) from frequently-ignored
by-products produced during routine processing of fruits and vegetables. These pigments are then mixed
into a PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) matrix. These pigments are sourced from fruits and have antibacterial
and antioxidant properties. Since the 1990s, PDMS, a synthetic organosilicon polymer, has been appreciated
for its chemical and physical stability, transparency, and �lexibility, and ease of production. The objective of
the study was to transform PDMS using organic colors to gain insight to investigate how the �iller affected the
polymer matrix. The structure, surface energy, morphology, and water absorption test of the PDMS/beetroot
composites
were investigated. The morphology of the composites was studied using scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). Solitary drop technique was used to measure contact angles at room temperature (23°C).
A droplet of deionised water (~5
µL) was dropped on the surface of the sample. The mass of the sample was
also determined for the absorption test. According to the SEM examination, the PDMS/beetroot composites
had a rough surface. The �iller affects hydrophobicity as measured by the contact angle measurements, which
show that the contact angle decreases with increasing �iller concentration. The quantity and particle size of
PDMS �illers determine how much water they absorb. The hydrophobic properties of the polymer are reduced
due to the natural hydrophilicity of the �iller.
SESSION 4. Oral presentation
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
4th International Conference on the Scienti�ic Actualities and Innovations in Horticulture 2024
SAIH 2024
Horticultural Value Networks
Programme and Abstracts
Kaunas, September 16–18, 2024
34 p.
Edited by Daiva Puidokienė
Layout designed by Irena Pabrinkienė
Published by the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Instituto al. 1, Akademija, LT-58344 Kėdainiai dist., LITHUANIA
